Larnaca, or Larnaka, is situated on the southeast coast of Cyprus.

Larnacas former name was Kition or Kittim (one of Noah’s descendants). The name Larnaca is derived from Greek word ‘larnax’ (coffin), which is probably a reminder of the many ancient coffins found on Kition’s grounds.

The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12^th century while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9^th century. Kition is the birthplace of the philosopher Zeno, founder of the Stoic School, and it is here that Saint Lazarus came to live after his resurrection. In the 18^th century it became a commercial centre and the seat of the European consulates.

As the home of the island’s main international airport, Larnaka offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus. The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are numerous. The town is large enough to give everything one may need but still is not overcrowded especially at its beautiful beaches, which extend for 25 kilometers.

Activities in and around Larnaca include horse riding, which is based near Oroklini (sometimes Voroklini), Sailing and boat trips from the marina, which can berth around 400 yachts and sightseeing on one of the many coach trips. Diving is a popular sport here as well. The shopping is excellent and the sea front is wide and paved with cafes and tavernas, making this a popular spot with visitors and Cypriots alike during the long summer. Many outdoor restaurants specialise in Cyprus cuisine, you will also find kebab vendors, (the local take away,) who’s kebabs and sheftalies (a type of charcoal grilled sausage/meatball) served in pitta bread with salad is a great value meal.

Cultural life is rich and the town’s Municipality almost daily organizes many events. Archaeological sites and its six museums are in the center of the city within walking distance. The whole district of Larnaka has something special to offer the visitor including one of the first sights is the beautiful Salt Lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds. Beside the Lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Tekesi Mosque which is a popular Muslim pilgrimage place; the tomb of Umm Haram, the foster mother of Mohammed, is said to be here. Also the famous

Stavrovouni Monastry, one of the oldest and most dramatically sited monasteries in Cyprus, founded by Saint Helena, is within reach of Larnaka. Pearched atop a mountain it has stunning views in all directions. Choirokoitia is another remarkable site that is included in the Unesco World Heritage List, where excavations have yielded one of the most important Neolithic settlements found anywhere in the world. Again within striking distance, is the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti, which houses the 6th century lifesize Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin Mary, one of the finest in the world from this period. A visit to the village of Lefkara, famed for the lace-like embroidery known as ‘Lefkaritika’ that was said to captivate Leonardo da Vinci, is also a treat.

The Church Of St. Lazarus is a magnificent Orthodox Church that was built in the town over the tomb of St. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. He died here and was buried in the church named after him. In 890 A.D. his tomb was found bearing the inscription “Lazarus the friend of Christ”. The marble sarcophagus can be seen inside the church under the Holy of Holies. The Fort Of Larnaka is a local Mediaeval Museum that was built by the Turks in 1625; it was used as a prison in the first years of the British rule. The fort is also used as the Larnaka Municipal Cultural Centre during the summer. The Larnaka District Archaeological Museum has interesting collection of finds from the Larnaka area dating from the Neolithic Age to the Roman period.